Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistan spinner who destroyed England in 2012 and has long been rated one of the best bowlers in the world, has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action for the second time in his career.

But the reporting of Ajmal is an even bigger deal. The 36-year-old is rated eighth in the official world Test bowling rankings, and the second best spinner behind Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath. He has taken 174 wickets in 34 Tests, and would also be a key member of Pakistan’s one-day team in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand early next year. He has also been a popular overseas player for Worcestershire, and England’s new spinning sensation Moeen Ali credits him with a key role in helping him develop a doosra.

Ajmal was previously reported in 2009 after two ODIs against Australia in Dubai, but his action was passed as legal after extensive testing.

The International Cricket Council issued a statement on Monday saying: “The match officials’ report, which was handed over to Pakistan team manager Moin Khan on Sunday, cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect and concluded that the bowler’s action needed to be tested. Ajmal’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He is required to undergo testing within 21 days.”

He will be allowed to continue playing during that period, with the second Test starting in Colombo on Thursday.

Ajmal’s action has caused controversy before, notably during that series against England in the United Arab Emirates when Bob Willis, the former England captain who was working for Sky, publicly questioned why he bowled in a long-sleeve shirt. “Now why do all these bowlers bowl with their sleeves buttoned round their wrist?” Willis said. “Why aren’t they wearing short-sleeved shirts? Why aren’t they wearing vests like Australian rules football? We can see their arms. The answer is clear isn’t it, they are bending their elbow.”

Ajmal shrugged off the criticism. Speaking through a translator, he said: “I am just concentrating on my bowling and it is basically up to the umpires and referees to say if there is a problem with my action.

“It’s no problem. Such questions were raised against Saqlain Mushtaq as well and he played county cricket for years with no problem about his action.”